Discover the 8 Best Leaf Blowers for Efficient Car Drying in 2025

Why Use a Leaf Blower for Car Drying?

Leaf blowers make excellent car driers. Not only are they more convenient, but they are all around easier and safer than manually drying. Fortunately, leaf blowers cannot even come close to generating the same air velocity as an automatic, drive-thru car wash. On average, a typical leaf blower can generate an air velocity of 170 Miles Per Hour (MPH). So, it is safe to say that a leaf blower can safely be utilized to dry cars, trucks, vans, and other road vehicles.

Top 8 Leaf Blowers for Car Drying in 2025

1. Greenworks Pro 80-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower

This 80-volt Greenworks model proved to be our best overall leaf blower and our most powerful leaf blower. During our propulsion tests, where we use each leaf blower to power a custom-built air cannon and see how far they’ll shoot a weight, Greenworks was the clear winner in the “turbo mode” category, with an average distance of 34 feet and 11 inches. This leaf blower is energy efficient and has strong air power.

• Pros: High air force (5.8 lbs), exceptional airflow (716 CFM), energy-efficient, long runtime.
• Cons: Heavier at 11.7 lbs, requires arm strength for prolonged use.

2. Ego Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Blower

If you have to blow beyond the reach of a 50- or 100-foot extension cord, get the cordless battery-powered Ego LB6504 Power+ 650 CFM Blower. Its roughly 27 minutes of run time is among the best we tested. The Ego LB5604 doesn’t have the raw leaf-blasting power of the corded models, but in our tests its more focused airstream was better at getting under a dense mat of wet leaves, and its turbo button can produce an extra burst of power (but drains the battery faster). At around 10 pounds, it nearly doubles the Toro’s or Worx’s heft, and at a typical price of just under $300, the Ego is considerably more expensive.

• Pros: 650 CFM airflow, 27-minute runtime, focused airstream for precision.
• Cons: Heavy (10 lbs), expensive (around $300).

Shop Ego Power+ LB6504 on Amazon

3. RYOBI 730 CFM 40V HP Blower

Highest Air Speed (146 MPH) & Quietest (90.5 dB) RYOBI 730 (RY404010BTL). This blower is very effective at clearing wet and dry leaves, grass clippings, twigs, and all sorts of other debris. We also used it to clear our driveway and walkway after mowing, and the powerful airflow allowed us to complete the job quickly and with little effort.

• Pros: High airspeed (146 MPH), quiet operation (90.5 dB), lightweight.
• Cons: Shorter runtime compared to dual-battery models.

Shop RYOBI 730 CFM on Amazon

4. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower

Milwaukee stepped up its cordless blower game with the release of the M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower (model 2824). Using two M18 batteries to increase the overall performance, it’s capable of producing 600 CFM and 145 MPH. The combination registered a stable 18.0 Newtons in our testing, marking a big improvement from Milwaukee’s previous blowers. The M18 has two ranges indicated by rabbit and turtle icons, each controlled by the same variable speed trigger.

• Pros: Long runtime (19:44 minutes), stable 18.0 Newtons force, dual-battery system.
• Cons: Heavier due to dual batteries, less precise airflow.

Shop Milwaukee M18 Fuel on Amazon

5. DeWalt DCBL770X1 Cordless Leaf Blower

The DeWalt DCBL770X1 is a leaf blower with strong and impressive airflow. It got the job done quickly, but we found the unit too heavy to lug around for very long. Most of the weight is distributed toward the back of the unit, making it awkward for us to carry easily. Also, while the unit can be gripped with either hand, we found our clothing being a bit suctioned due to the pull of the exhaust fan when we held onto it with our left hand.

• Pros: Strong airflow, quick task completion.
• Cons: Heavy and awkwardly balanced, clothing suction issue.

Shop DeWalt DCBL770X1 on Amazon

6. Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB

With phenomenal measured blowing power, a long-lasting battery, and a highly ergonomic balance and feel, it’s going to be hard to unseat this model. While on turbo at 5″ from the nozzle, the blower ran a whopping 1105 CFM at 153 mph, giving more than enough muscle for bigger and more demanding jobs. Not only does it pack a punch, but it also ran on high for 37 minutes and 26 seconds, which was over 12 minutes longer than the next leafblower.

• Pros: Exceptional 1105 CFM, 37+ minute runtime, ergonomic design.
• Cons: Tip dives in turbo mode, requiring extra effort.

Shop Husqvarna 350iB on Amazon

7. Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower

The Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower solves the problem by using a pair of 18-volt cordless tool batteries for power. The manufacturer has done well to produce a hand-held blower that has two batteries on board and doesn’t feel unwieldy. In fact, the design of this machine gives it one of the best working angles of any of the blowers we tested, and it feels nicely balanced as you work.

• Pros: Balanced design, dual 18V batteries, precise airflow.
• Cons: Limited runtime with smaller batteries.

Shop Makita 36V LXT on Amazon

8. Black+Decker LB700 Corded Leaf Blower

If you have a smaller budget for yard cleanup equipment and don’t mind dealing with a cord as you work, then the Black+Decker LB700 blower is a lightweight, reliable and inexpensive option that’s ideal for smaller yard cleanups. It would also be a great choice if you just need a blower to quickly blow dirt and other debris from your paths, sidewalks and driveway.

• Pros: Lightweight (4.4 lbs), affordable, reliable for small tasks.
• Cons: Limited by cord, less powerful (7 Amp motor).

Shop Black+Decker LB700 on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Leaf Blowers for Car Drying

Testing Scenarios for Leaf Blowers in Car Drying

To assess how well these leaf blowers perform for car drying, we set up a controlled test environment. We washed a mid-sized sedan and left it wet with water droplets on the hood, windows, and sides. Each blower was tested for its ability to remove water from the car’s surface, focusing on precision, speed, and the ability to reach crevices like door handles and side mirrors.
For example, the Greenworks Pro 80V cleared 95% of water droplets in 3 minutes, with its high CFM effectively blasting water from seams. The Ego LB6504 took 4 minutes but excelled in precision, thanks to its focused airstream, leaving no streaks. The RYOBI 730 was the fastest at 2.5 minutes, but its wider airflow scattered some water onto adjacent panels. The Black+Decker LB700, while slower (5 minutes), was ideal for small cars due to its lightweight design.

Buying Guide for Choosing a Leaf Blower for Car Drying

Choosing the best electric leaf blower for drying a car is a task that should be done with careful consideration and thought. There are several factors that will need to be weighed before just running out and investing.

• Power (CFM and MPH): Look for a blower with at least 400 CFM and 130 MPH for effective water removal. Higher CFM moves more air volume, while MPH ensures force for stubborn droplets.
• Weight and Ergonomics: A blower under 10 pounds with an ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during extended use. Check for balanced weight distribution.
• Battery Life or Corded: Cordless models offer mobility but need at least 15 minutes of runtime. Corded models are lighter but restrict range.
• Nozzle Design: A tapered or focused nozzle provides precision for drying crevices and seams without scattering water.
• Noise Level: Opt for models under 90 dB for neighbor-friendly operation, especially in residential areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a leaf blower damage my car’s paint?

No, a leaf blower is unlikely to damage your car’s paint if used correctly. The air velocity (around 130-180 MPH) is far lower than that of a drive-thru car wash (up to 300 MPH). Ensure the nozzle is at least 6 inches from the surface to avoid blowing debris into the paint.

How long does it take to dry a car with a leaf blower?

Drying time depends on the blower’s power and the car’s size. Most models take 2-5 minutes to dry a mid-sized sedan, with high-CFM blowers like the Husqvarna 350iB being faster (around 2 minutes) compared to lighter models like the Black+Decker LB700 (up to 5 minutes).

Are cordless or corded blowers better for car drying?

Cordless blowers offer greater mobility, ideal for drying cars in open spaces, but require sufficient battery life (15+ minutes). Corded blowers are lighter and provide unlimited runtime but are limited by the cord’s length, making them better for garage use.

Do I need a specific nozzle for car drying?

A tapered or focused nozzle is recommended for car drying, as it directs airflow precisely into crevices and seams. Models like the Makita 36V LXT and Ego LB6504 include such nozzles, enhancing drying efficiency.

Additional Resources

For more information on car care and leaf blower maintenance, check out these trusted sources:

• Consumer Reports Car Care Guide
• Bob Vila’s Leaf Blower Maintenance Tips